Article March 1, 1900 Issue

A Soldier's Tribute

Boston Herald

Maj-Gen. Nelson A. Miles paid a soldier's tribute to General George Washington at the banquet of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, held at the University Club Thursday evening, February 22. He said in part:—

One hundred and sixty-eight years ago to-day there was born in a primitive farmhouse in the country of Westmoreland, Virginia, the child who was destined to become the most illustrious and beloved personage the world has known. Every American loves to dwell upon the simplest detail of his noble life. Panegyrics have been written and eulogies have been pronounced by the most prominent pens and tongues of this and other countries, and it would be futile for me to try to tell you anything new concerning that tall, sun-crowned patriot who lived above the fog in public and private doings. On this occasion I cannot refrain from reiterating some of his imperishable words of wisdom—words that will serve as beacon lights through all ages and increase in effulgency as time rolls on. John Milton's utterance to the effect that "war has made many great whom peace makes small" cannot be applied to George Washington; for though he was a general whose movements, particularly along the Delaware, that renowned soldier, Frederick the Great, designated as "the most brilliant achievements of any recorded in the annals of military action;" yet it is as a statesman that we can at this time best comprehend and appreciate him.

I would call your reverent attention to the priceless legacy of his jewelled utterances rather than to the memory of his immortal acts. Consider the matchless bequest to posterity of his farewell address to the people of the United States, the inspired words of which I would emblazon, were I able, in letters of fire on the skies of this republic, to serve as a perpetual guide and confession of faith to every American. Webster well said that "America has furnished to the world the character of Washington," and that character has impressed itself on our constitution, and has been, and will continue to be, the perfect and immortal model for all the liberty-loving people of the earth.

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